This week, I want to share an update on the MSC Baltic III, which remains grounded in Cedar Cove. Over the winter, our region experienced challenging weather and heavy ice, creating difficult conditions in the area. As we move into spring and the fishing season begins, we recognize that the waters around Little Port and Cedar Cove will become increasingly active.

Our leadership team has been in ongoing discussions with MSC to ensure that the priorities of our communities and members remain central as planning continues, with a focus on safety, environmental responsibility, and meaningful local involvement. Companies undertaking work in our communities must go beyond consultation and genuinely engage with our Nation—understanding community priorities, creating opportunities for our involvement, and ensuring that local knowledge and participation guide how work is planned and carried out. We will hold every company to this standard on our territory.

As has been reported in the media, the next steps of the wreck removal process are now moving forward. Our shared goal is a safe and successful operation, where all parties work together respectfully to ensure the vessel is removed safely and efficiently.

For over a year, our communities have lived with this situation, and we have heard your concerns every step of the way. Your Nation has constantly brought those forward at every meeting and opportunity. Through our persistence and with your support, recent discussions have led to clearer progress and movement into the next phase of work. We are encouraged by the constructive working relationship taking shape and remain hopeful that this collaboration will continue to support timely progress and deliver direct benefits to our communities, both through this work and into the future.

We also encourage cooperation throughout this process and are optimistic that opportunities will arise for our members to participate and gain employment as part of the work. As always, we will remain engaged and continue to advocate for the interests of our communities as this work moves forward.

A Message to Service Members

This week, I want to speak directly to the concerns many of us share about the Service Members Agreement and offer a clearer understanding of where things stand. The process to complete the steps in the Agreement involves three parties—our Nation, the Federation of Newfoundland Indians, and Canada. All parties have a responsibility to move toward a fair and final resolution to determine membership status for Service Members. We believe that each party understands how important this is for Service Members and all QFN members so, together, we are working to find a path forward that honours the commitments made to Service Members.

At our February Special Council meeting, your Council passed a motion supporting Canada’s proposed plan to complete the Agreement. This plan outlines the steps needed to bring this lengthy process to a close: reconvening the Agreement’s Enrollment and Implementation Committees, completing the remaining assessments, addressing appeals, and carrying out the required regulatory actions. By formally expressing our support through a Band Council Resolution, we are making our intentions clear and demonstrating our commitment to transparency. You can read the full text of the Band Council Resolution in our 20 February 2026 Minutes [link to Minutes].

We firmly believe that Service Members deserve a prompt and fair resolution. You have waited long enough, and we are determined to see this work progress without further delay. Our goal is to ensure that the process continues in a way that is consistent, accountable, and respectful of the people whose lives and families are directly affected.

There is a workable plan on the table. We have communicated our positions to all parties and have met with our counterparts. What is needed now is coordinated action from all of us—together, united in our desire to get this done.

We understand the frustration many people are experiencing. We hear it, we recognize it, and we feel it as well. This period of uncertainty has gone on for far too long, and the last thing we want is to add to the stress or hardship faced by those still waiting for a resolution.

Our position stays unwavering: Service Members deserve justice, and they deserve it now. We are committed to moving this process forward in line with the commitments we have already made, and we will continue to advocate for the prompt completion of this work.

Related Link: 2022 Agreement Q&A [link to Q&A]

A Note on Our Image: The Forget-Me-Not is a flower with historic ties to the Newfoundland Regiment in the days before the use of the poppy to signify remembrance of those lost during the First World War and our veterans. We have not forgotten our commitment to you and we will never waiver.

Strong partnerships are essential to the work we do for our Nation. They allow us to expand opportunities, share knowledge, and deliver programs and events that directly benefit our members.

This week our team met with the College of the North Atlantic (CNA), a valued partner in education. Collectively, we reviewed our Memorandum of Understanding, which was established in 2018 and renewed in January 2024. This agreement between our Nation and CNA supports members pursuing post‑secondary education and empowers faculty and staff as they develop programs and services. It also establishes a clear pathway for a respectful relationship, one that honours our values and fosters a prosperous future.

Our partnership with CNA continues to demonstrate how education systems can come together to reshape learning experiences for Indigenous people. CNA collaborates closely with our team to explore opportunities across our departments, strengthening programs for both staff and students. Their commitment extends beyond the classroom, ensuring learners have every possible pathway toward success.

Together, we also work to remove barriers to education by offering direct billing for students, ensuring everyone has equitable access to advance their learning journey, contribute to a stronger Nation, and become the leaders of tomorrow.

Our collaboration has grown to include areas such as research, early childhood education, and economic development. Together, we also host the annual Business Forum, a valuable space for learning, sharing, and forging connections, while highlighting local businesses and celebrating successes and shared experiences. Planning for this year’s event is already underway.

We appreciate the time and effort that has gone into building our relationship with the College of the North Atlantic. True partnerships like these are more than agreements; they are grounded in respect and grown through genuine commitments to community and shared goals. In the wise words of Justice Murray Sinclair, “Education got us into this mess, and education will get us out.” By working together, we can ensure that the educational experiences of today are meaningful steps toward a stronger, more hopeful tomorrow.